Page 72 of Finding Jacob
Once he was clear of the room and the door shut, the doctor turned back to me. “Now that’s taken care of. I’m Dr Saul, Jacob’s doctor, as it happens. I’m going to ask you some questions and give you a check over, is that okay?”
He didn’t wait for my answer but sat beside me and pulled a pad and pen from his holdall. He asked all the basic details like name, address, date of birth, and religion. Then he placed the pad and pen on the bed.
“Can you tell me what happened when the man broke into your room?”
His voice was calming, reassuring. I went through the details, hiccupping on occasions as I fought back the fear that bubbled up at the memory.
“Did he sexually assault you in any way?” His voice was gentle.
“No, thank God. Whether that was the intent, I have no idea.”
Dr. Saul nodded and picked up his bag. “I would like to just examine you, if that’s okay, Anna.”
He took my blood pressure, it was still slightly elevated, and inspected the bruising. He checked my vision and asked me a series of questions, often repeating himself. He was happy I had no signs of a concussion and advised me to book an appointment with the midwife. I had felt my baby move when I was in the bath, so I wasn’t worried about her but agreed.
As he was packing his bag, Jacob came through the bedroom door without the glass of water. I wondered if he’d been waiting outside.
“You didn’t call,” he said accusingly.
“So I didn’t. Your wife is in good health, despite the circumstances, and just needs a little tender loving care,” he said. “I’m sure Anna will fill you in.”
I frowned at his description of me.Wife?
“No concussion or head injury?” he asked.
“Nothing that is presenting itself right now. I’m sure you’ll be able to identify anything that crops up later so keep your eyes on her. Call me or take her straight to A and E if needed.”
He stood and reached out his hand to me. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Anna, and when you get annoyed at his fussing, you’ll know you’re on the mend. However, I will call you with a couple of numbers that I’d like you to have to hand. For when you feel you need to talk through what happened.”
I nodded, not sure I needed outside help in dealing with what had happened. I wasn’t the type for counselling with strangers, opting to speak to my girlfriends or Sarah.
“I’ll be back with tea,” Jacob said, giving me a quick kiss to the lips and then leaving to see the good doctor out.
I shuffled up the bed, propped the pillows behind me, and rested back. Jacob backed into the room with a tray. He had two cups of tea, a plate with a muffin and scrambled eggs and salmon.
“Here,” he said, placing the tray on my lap. He climbed on the bed beside me. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay. I feel utterly exhausted and bruised, though. I’m going to have to call a locksmith and the alarm company.” I was going to sayin the morning,but it already was.
“I’ll get that done for you. I want you just to relax and give me a list of what you want from the house.”
“I can get what I need,” I replied, sipping my tea.
“You’re not going back there, Anna,” he said, turning to face me.
“I have to at some point.”
“Why? I don’t want you back there. You’re at risk until we find out who broke into your house. Anna, do you realise how serious this is? Someone had intended to poison you and my child!”
His voice had taken on a stern tone and his shoulders had bulked up. He looked challenging, daring me to argue with him.
I took his hand in mine. “I’m coming back with you to get my things. No one is going to attempt anything in the middle of the day with you there, are they?” I said gently.
“Why can’t you just stay here and let me deal with it?” He shook his head in frustration.
“Because if I don’t walk back in my home right now, I never will. And I want to be in control, not let whoever that was to be. I’m bloody terrified, Jacob, of what could have been, trust me.Ourchild is my absolute priority, but I have to meet the police, find my phone, and move out. I want to be able to do that, not give you a list. I don’t know half of what I have. I’ll move in with you, permanently, and put the house up for sale. But I’m not staying here and letting you do all that yourself. It was my home, it’s... It’s been spoiled by someone for reasons I don’t know. I don’t want to live there, but I do have to go back.” My voiced hitched and tears sprang to my eyes.
Jacob turned to face me. He cupped my cheeks with his palms and sighed, then kissed my lips gently. Finally, he nodded.
